Scolia
/ˈskoʊ.li.ə/noun
Scolia is the plural of scolium, meaning explanatory notes or annotations, and is also the name of a genus of large solitary wasps.
Did you know?The Greek ancestor scholion originally meant a comment or note, while related skolia were songs performed at drinking parties—two ancient traditions preserved under nearly identical forms.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
σχόλιον (schólion)
“A comment, explanatory note, or marginal annotation; literally something connected with σχολή, leisure or discussion.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
σχολή (scholḗ)
“Leisure or free time, especially time devoted to discussion and intellectual study.”
Late Latin
Latin
scholium
“A grammatical, textual, or scholarly annotation.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
scholia
“Plural annotations or explanatory notes attached to a text.”
17th Century
English
scolium
“A scholarly note or commentary, especially one explaining a difficult passage.”
Modern English
English
scolia
“Plural annotations; also used as the taxonomic name Scolia for a genus of solitary wasps.”
Explore more surprising origins